Psychology Contact Us Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Computer Science Cybersecurity Data Analytics and Visualization Digital Marketing and Media Mathematics Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Speech-Language Pathology The psychology major at Stern College for Women is designed to give students in-depth knowledge of the field and its applications. The department offers a wide variety of courses in clinical, biological, experimental, developmental and social psychology, as well as advanced courses and seminars in specialized areas. Pre-psychology advisement is available for students at all points in their undergraduate major to assist with course sequencing, obtaining research or clinical internships and applying to graduate school. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in the Psychology Club and to qualify for Psi Chi, the psychology honor society. A psychology major can lead to graduate or career opportunities not only in psychology itself, but also in related fields such as occupational therapy other health services, education and social work. Click here for an overview of recent student accomplishments in STEM (PDF). Mission Statement The core requirements of the psychology major are designed to provide a broad foundation across the spectrum of subject areas in psychology. Students select from a range of elective courses to gain greater expertise in areas that will best prepare them for graduate school programs in psychology or related career options, for example, the health related fields of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy, or Medical School. A common thread among the various courses is an emphasis on the scientific foundation and empirical basis of psychological principles and their application to understanding the individual, her development, and her behavior in a social context. Writing skills are highlighted in much of the coursework, and students are encouraged to expand their learning outside of the classroom by participating in research and/or clinical experiences with, or sponsored by psychology faculty. Program Student Learning Goals Psychology majors will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the basic content and central concepts in the major areas of psychology Psychology majors will be able to demonstrate knowledge of research methodology and the relationship between empirical evidence and psychological theories. Psychology majors will be able to apply the principles of psychology they have learned in the classroom to everyday experience. For more information, please contact Chairs: Dr. Terry DiLorenzo (Beren) or Dr. Jenny Isaacs (Wilf) Program Information Courses Please see the Schedule of Classes for the current semester’s offerings. Psychology (PSYC) 1010 Introductory Psychology 3 credits One semester survey of topics in experimental methodology, biological basis of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, cognition, development, personality, assessment, and abnormal and social psychology. This course is a prerequisite for all upper level psychology courses. 1107 Developmental Psychology: Life Span 3 credits Introduces the student to the theory, empirical research, and applied issues of developmental psychology from conception to old age. Focus on cognitive, personality, social, and emotional aspects of development as well as on values and moral behavior. Special emphasis is given to stability and change throughout the life span in each of these areas, as well as to the mechanism of development and change. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010. 1110 Cognitive and Social Development of the Child 3 credits Biological, psychological, and social factors that enter into the development of children from birth to pre¬adolescence; correlations between childhood development and formation of adult personality. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 or 1107, 2100C. 1130 Cognitive and Social Development of the Adolescent and Young Adult 3 credits Processes and problems of adolescence and early adulthood; personality development in its relationship to cultural patterns. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 or 1107; 2100C. 1140 Adult Development and Aging 3 credits A multidimensional perspective on the reciprocal influences of biology and behavior, psychosocial influences, and psychological and physical functioning in the aged. Demographics of the aging population, physiological changes, theories of successful aging, social issues, life transitions, mental health and dementia, death and dying. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 or 1107, 2100C. 1301 Psychological Tests and Measurements 3 credits Theory and method of measuring human behavior; construction and evaluation of tests of abilities, aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, and adjustment; ethical issues in testing. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 2100C Experimental Psychology 4 credits Theory and practice of research methodology and evaluation of experimental research in psychology. Students perform individual experiments, prepare reports of results, and are introduced to the literature of experimental psychology. This course is a prerequisite for most upper¬level psychology courses. (lecture: 3 hours; lab: 2 hours) Prerequisite: PSYC 1010; Prerequisite or corequisite: STAT 1021. 2140 Learning 3 credits Study of the factors that govern behavior change. Analysis of empirical data and comparison of the behavioral, cognitive, and biological approaches to understanding the process of learning. Discussion of practical applications of learning theory to areas such as therapy, education, and parenting. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 2150 Cognitive Psychology 3 credits Analysis of empirical literature and theories relating to topics of size, distance, motion and form perception, attention, memory, language, and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 2153 Mind, Language, and Consciousness 3 credits An exploration of the nature of consciousness that emerges from an in¬depth study of fundamental perceptual, attentional, memory, and language functions. Prerequisites: PSYC 2100C, 2150 or permission of the instructor. 2414 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits Study of psychopathology in the context of the integrative model; assessment methods, diagnostic criteria, etiology and treatment are discussed. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1010. 2430 Introduction to Clinical Psychology 3 credits History and background of clinical psychology; current research; functions and responsibilities of the clinical psychologist and related mental health personnel; introduction to diagnosis and psychotherapy; ethics of the profession. Prerequisites: PSYC 2100C, 2414. 3105 Social Psychology 3 credits Dynamic study of social behavior; social learning, interpersonal attraction, aggression, attitudes, conformity, and social influence processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 3125 Seminar in Emotions 3 credits An examination of the theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of emotion. Emphasis will be placed on the physiological, expressive, subjective, and behavioral emotional responses to experience. A laboratory component is integrated into the classroom experience. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 3128 Seminar in Moral Psychology 3 credits This course will review theory and research on moral psychology, with a focus on the underlying mental processes that guide moral evaluation across the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 3130 The Development of Intergroup Cognition 3 credits Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the issues that are addressed by research in the development of intergroup cognition. This will include a general understanding of the history of how psychologists have studied intergroup cognition in both children and adults, as well as a grasp of the theories of intergroup cognition that are currently debated by researchers. Students will learn the methods that are generally used to study these issues, and will be able to come up with an original research idea that addresses one of the course topics. Prerequisite: PSYC 1107, 2100C. 3132 Cross-Cultural Social Development 3 credits An examination of how culture shapes our social behavior through theoretical perspectives and classic and contemporary research. Explores cultural differences in the development of emotions, morality and self¬concept, and in the influence of family, peers, the media, and schooling. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 3165 Human Sexuality 3 credits Overview of human sexuality from psychological, sociological and physiological perspectives. Topics include: historical and cultural influences on sexuality, research methodology, gender-typing and gender roles, attraction, love and relationships, sexual behavior and orientation, sexual behavior across the lifespan, reproduction, sexual dysfunction. Prerequisite: PYSC 1107, upper junior/senior status. 3214H Research Seminar I 3 credits Participation for eight hours per week for 12 weeks in an ongoing research project with supervision by an on¬site investigator and Stern College faculty member. Focuses on issues related to the conduct of research in institutional settings, including research ethics. Students gain practical experience in reviewing the literature, data collection and management, and scientific writing. Prerequisites: PSYC 2100C and permission of the instructor. 3400 Educational Psychology 3 credits (Same as EDUC 1210.) Application of principles of learning, motivation and measurement to education. Prerequisite: PSYC 1107. 3411 Forensic Psychology 3 credits Role of psychology in the legal system; child welfare, criminal justice, personal liability issues; role of the psychologist as an expert witness. Prerequisites: PSYC 2100C, 3800, and either PSYC 1301 or PSYC 2414 or PSYC 2430. 3430 Industrial and Organizational Psychology 3 credits Theory and practice of behavioral science in industry and business settings: selection techniques, merit rating, employee counseling; attitudes and morale; training, leadership, and job evaluation; time and motion studies; human ecology. 3601 Health Psychology 3 credits An examination of the contribution of psychological factors to the development, course, and treatment of physical illness and disease. Research methodology, basic theories, empirical studies, and clinical applications. Factors covered include weight control, alcoholism, smoking, heart and respiratory disease, cancer, and chronic illness. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010. 3610 Public Health 3 credits This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts in public health including epidemiology, psychological and sociocultural contexts of health, health promotion and health disparities, the U.S. healthcare system, public health interventions, and ethical issues in public health research and practice. Prerequisites: PSYC 1010, either experimental psychology or a science course with a lab, and junior status. 3800 Personality 3 credits Structure and dynamics of normal and abnormal personality development, including psychoanalytic and social learning approaches. Clinical diagnostic tests and procedures are discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010. 3804 Psychobiology 3 credits Mind and body: the nervous system and endocrine glands in relation to psychological processes; physiological basis of perception, motivation, emotions, and learning. Prerequisite: PSYC 2100C. 3810 Behavioral Neuroendocrinology 3 credits This course will examine the hormonal effects on the brain and behavior. We will discuss the role of hormones in sex differences, parental behavior, learning and memory, and affective disorders. Both human and animal models will be considered. Prerequisites: PSYC 3804 or BIOL 3830 or BIOL 3728C. 3815 Cognitive Neuroscience 3 credits Cognitive Neuroscience is an investigation into the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive functioning. The course will focus on neural pathways, clinical studies and contemporary research in the cognitive domains of object perception and form recognition, memory, attention, and language. Some classes will be devoted to lab activities including reading an MRI, dissecting a brain, and using behavioral measures to investigate brain functioning. Prerequisite: PSYC 2150. 3820 Neuropsychology 3 credits Clinical and research issues in neurological psychology and behavioral neurology. Topics include neuroanatomy, diagnostic measures, traumatic brain injury, stroke, memory dysfunction, and pediatric and developmental neuropsychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 2100C, 3804. 4930; 4931; 4932 Special Topics in Psychology 3 credits Seminar for majors involving extensive reading, discussion of several topics, and preparation of original papers. Topics are selected from among diverse areas. Requirements PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC) MAJOR: Stern College for Women General Track: Thirty-seven credits in psychology: PSYC 1010, 1107, 2100C, 2414, 2150, 3105; One course from each of the following two groups: (1) PSYC 2430; 4926 (2) PSYC 2140, 3804; plus four additional psychology courses; plus STAT 1021. Neuroscience Track: Thirty-seven credits in psychology: PSYC 1010, 1107, 2100C, 2150, 2414, 3105, 3800, 3804, 3810, 3815 plus two additional psychology courses; plus STAT 1021. Students planning to do graduate work should consult the department faculty early in their course of study concerning a program of courses as well as other preparation necessary for graduate study. MINOR: Stern College for Women Sixteen credits in psychology, including PSYC 1010, 1100 or 1107, 2100C, 3105, 2150 or 2414. STAT 1021 is also required. For more details about the Psychology major and minor - see the factsheet at the Academic Advisement webpage. Faculty The following list includes faculty who teach at both the Beren (B) and Wilf (W) campuses.· Joshua BaconAssociate Professor of Psychology (B)· Anna-Lisa CohenAssociate Professor of Psychology (W) · Terry DiLorenzoAssociate Professor of Psychology (B)Chair, Stern College Department of Psychology · Rachel EbnerClinical Assistant Professor of Psychology (B)· Aharon FriedAssociate Professor Emeritus of Psychology (B) · Stephen GlicksmanAdjunct Instructor of Psychology (W)· Elizabeth GoldmanAssistant Professor of Psychology (B) · Edward HoffmanAdjunct Associate Professor of Psychology (W) · Jenny IsaacsAssociate Professor of Psychology (W)· Evelyn KolidasAdjunct Instructor of Psychology (B) · Yair KramerAdjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology (W) · Ariel MalkaAssociate Professor of Psychology (W)Chair, Yeshiva College Department of Psychology · Eliezer SchnallClinical Professor of Psychology and Director of the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program (W)· Timothy ValshteinAssistant Professor of Psychology (B)
